stone chip protection

[Chris J T]

Just got Caterham and can see after limited use that newly painted rear wings and nose cone will get stone chipped fairly easily. I've seen several products armourfend and paint protection on internet and wondered if anyone has experience of these ?

Also best areas to cover, obviously two areas as above, but what about side panels, bonnet etc

any advice appreciated

Chris

[huwp]

I use the wrap around carbon protectors from Millwood. Effective but starting to look a little tatty. I know of others that use the protective film on the exposed sides and extending to the top of the rear arches. Probably looks better but can be a fiddle to put on without creases.

I have the protective film on the front of my tin top. It works well but I wouldn't use it again on a white car. I also think there is a danger that you end up wrapping the car in cotton wool. Yes, protect the rear arches if you want too but I'd leave it at that.

[DCL]

I think with the open wheel design of the Caterham it is difficult to stop chips to paint. A lot of owners will put some form of paint protection on at least the rear wings above the wing protectors. I've used various product but like the 3M film. It really is best to do it before the car is used and before the wing protectors are fitted. It can be tricky to apply so cut a pattern first and don't rush and don't be too ambitious with curves.

Good luck

[huwp]

I should have added before that to stop stones hitting the inside of the arch and causing a star-crack visible on the outside I partly lined the inside of the rear arches with some 3mm rubber sheet. Works a treat.

[Chris J T]

Just had Dave of PPG fit protection to various areas, great job
Chris